60. It’s Not Magic, with John Amaechi
Mon Jan 19 2026
In the Season 6 finale of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by John Amaechi OBE, organisational psychologist and Founder of APS Intelligence, for a wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation on leadership, power, and personal accountability.
Drawing on behavioural science, coaching practice, and lived experience, John challenges the myth that great leadership is rooted in charisma or innate talent. Instead, he argues that leadership excellence is built from ordinary, learnable skills that require sustained effort, self-regulation, and ethical clarity.
Together, they explore why some leaders seek titles without accepting responsibility, how personalised power corrupts leadership intent, and why culture often gives permission to harmful behaviour. John reflects on vulnerability, feedback, presence, and the energy required to lead well, as well as the danger of outsourcing accountability to systems, algorithms, or circumstance.
This episode is a candid examination of leadership without shortcuts, grounded in evidence, human dignity, and the daily choices that shape organisational culture.
Cover Photo: Courtesy of APS Intelligence
Key Takeaways:
Leadership skill is learnable, not magicalWanting power is necessary, but how power is used defines leadership qualityAvoiding discomfort undermines organisational performanceAccountability cannot be outsourced to systems or contextEthical leadership requires sustained personal effortIndividual choices shape collective outcomesGuest Bio
John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioural science with psychological insight. His bespoke programmes aren’t about quick fixes, they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organisational well-being.
From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words, “The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”, John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential.
An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognised as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organisational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies.
Links
John Amaechi: LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | TikTokBuy his books:- “It's Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders”
- “The Promises of Giants”
APS: Website | LinkedInNadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices
More
In the Season 6 finale of Why Care?, Nadia Nagamootoo is joined by John Amaechi OBE, organisational psychologist and Founder of APS Intelligence, for a wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation on leadership, power, and personal accountability. Drawing on behavioural science, coaching practice, and lived experience, John challenges the myth that great leadership is rooted in charisma or innate talent. Instead, he argues that leadership excellence is built from ordinary, learnable skills that require sustained effort, self-regulation, and ethical clarity. Together, they explore why some leaders seek titles without accepting responsibility, how personalised power corrupts leadership intent, and why culture often gives permission to harmful behaviour. John reflects on vulnerability, feedback, presence, and the energy required to lead well, as well as the danger of outsourcing accountability to systems, algorithms, or circumstance. This episode is a candid examination of leadership without shortcuts, grounded in evidence, human dignity, and the daily choices that shape organisational culture. Cover Photo: Courtesy of APS Intelligence Key Takeaways: Leadership skill is learnable, not magicalWanting power is necessary, but how power is used defines leadership qualityAvoiding discomfort undermines organisational performanceAccountability cannot be outsourced to systems or contextEthical leadership requires sustained personal effortIndividual choices shape collective outcomesGuest Bio John Amaechi OBE is a world-renowned organisational psychologist, bestselling author, and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd., John leads a global team that transforms leaders and cultures by combining cutting-edge behavioural science with psychological insight. His bespoke programmes aren’t about quick fixes, they drive sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and organisational well-being. From his roots in Stockport, near Manchester, to becoming the first Briton to play professional basketball in the NBA, John’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s words, “The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary”, John has spent his career challenging expectations and helping others unlock their potential. An adviser to FTSE 100 boards, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and the recipient of the Sport Industry Integrity and Impact Award, John is recognised as one of the most influential voices in leadership and organisational culture. His bestselling book, The Promises of Giants, inspires leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity, drive ethical change, and create lasting legacies. Links John Amaechi: LinkedIn | Instagram | Substack | TikTokBuy his books:- “It's Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders” - “The Promises of Giants” APS: Website | LinkedInNadia Nagamootoo: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices